Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is considered to be one among the oldest cities in the United States. With its location on the Connecticut River, the city has contributed heavily to the economy of the state with its manufacturing industries and financial institutions including insurance; hence, the nickname "The Insurance City".
The city is not just known for the opportunities in the field of insurance, there are plenty in the fields of health care research, education, art, culture and sports. There are so many reputed schools, colleges and universities in the city providing various streams, both, from the elementary stages to the advanced and super specialties (finance, medicine, research, etc). For those who are interested in history, art and culture, there are many information rich libraries, museums, cultural centers and fine arts universities. The city is a heaven for sports lovers, too, as there are many sport centers in the city.
The popular attractions in the city of Hartford include the likes of Bulkeley building, Bushnell Park, St.Joseph's Cathedral, City place I and many more that will catch the eye of the visitor.
Hartford is the second largest city on the Connecticut River, with a total population of 124,512. The Bushnell Park is the oldest public park in the city, which even today remains as the most visited location in the city. Various prime festivals and musical orchestras take place in this park through the year. The Elizabeth Park and Rose Garden remain the favorite among families.
Hartford History
The history of Connecticut is incomplete without mentioning the great history of Hartford. The major portion of the state history is dependent on the history of this capital city. The city of Hartford obtained its new name in the year 1637, which was earlier called as Newtown. At the end of 18th century, on 15th December, 1814, the entire Hartford Convention was assembled in Hartford city. Various secret meetings have been conducted during this convention period.
The twenty-six primary delegates of the city were compulsorily present in all the meetings that were held confidentially. They made sure not to keep any trace or records of the secret meetings. Finally, the Hartford Convention ended, with a resolution report authorized by the twenty-six delegates.
In the 19th century, the city of Hartford was used as the center of abolitionist activity, which was organized to bring an end to the slavery movement. Beechers were the most popular ones among all the activities that were held in the city. The Reverend Lyman Beecher took various hardened efforts for anti-slavery missions, and he performed as a responsible and dutiful congregational minister of the city.
In 1860, the city of Hartford reached the next level by serving as the first site for "Wide Awakes", which was a paramilitary campaign started to offer supporting hand to the people who participated in the abolitionist activity. Abraham Lincoln was one of the active members of this activity and he, along with his supporters, organized various parades and movements, which included torchlight parades.
This particular parade had social well being and political development events, musical presentations, orchestras and fireworks. People in this activity were so honored and thrilled by the presence of Lincoln in their city, they made sure to entertain him in the best way, which was the main reason for the musical and firework events.
The history of Hartford city will never be complete without mentioning the great disaster in 1944. On 6th July, 194, the city was devastated by a huge fire disaster. The impact of it was so severe that it even occupied a place in the history of US. One of the events involving fire in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus was the reason for this major fire accident. It was finally named as the Hartford Circus Fire.
The city started to face local downfall during 1950s, after which the Connecticut General, now named as CIGNA, moved its physical building to the new campus building near to Bloomfield. It is the biggest insurance company of its kind even today.
In the 21st century, things started to fall in place for the capital city and it started to focus more on developmental projects which resulted in the growth of Hartford city.
About Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital city of the state of Connecticut in USA. It is the second populous city on the Connecticut River and is tucked in Hartford County. The history of Hartford can be traced back to 400 years, making it one of the oldest cities of the United States. The insurance industry has its origin in Hartford. Presently, it houses the headquarters of many insurance companies and, hence, is also known as the "Insurance Capital of the World".
The diverse and historic neighborhoods of Hartford attract a lot of visitors all year round. The popular Downtown comprises of the central business district, the State Capitol and the Old State House. In addition to them, you can also find some fabulous art museums and shops in the Downtown. Historical sites, religious places and fine colleges - one can witness everything at in downtown Hartford. Some of the famous places are Parkville, Frog Hollow, Pope Park and Blue Hills.
There are lots of sites which deserve a visit in the city of Hartford. The Real Art Ways situated in Parkville is one such place. It is a non-profit art space exhibiting visual art. It is also the home of an independent cinema and showcases live music, theater, other literary and community shows. Hartford has a lot in store for people who are interested in historic monuments and information. The Bushnell Park is a 37 acre park comprising of the Gothic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch. It is designed to commemorate the Civil War veterans. It includes the Tudor style Pump House Gallery, which showcases art exhibitions and summer concert series.
The Museum of Connecticut History situated across the State Capital is famous for its genealogy library. That apart, the museum has the Connecticut's royal charter of 1662, a fine collection of Colt Firearms manufactured in the city and coins. It also exhibits the table which Abraham Lincoln used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. The Mark Twain House and Museum, the Wadsworth Athenaeum and the Stone Field Sculpture are some of the other popular places of interest.
The skyscraper Travelers Tower in Downtown Hartford is the fourth headquarters of the Travelers Insurance Company. Constructed in 1919, it is the second tallest tower in Hartford. The top of the building is the nesting spot for the endangered species, the Peregrine Falcon.
For spiritually inclined people, Hartford offers the Center Church. Established by Reverend Thomas Hooker the church was modeled on St Martin's-in-the-Fields situated in London. The Ancient Burying Ground behind the church has the remains of Hooker and Revolutionary war patriots Joseph and Jeremiah Wadsworth.
One can also find world-class colleges and educational institutes in the city. Trinity College is the most notable institution in Hartford. There are several others like the Capital Community College, University of Connecticut School of Business, the Hartford Seminary and The University of Connecticut School of Law. The presence of such premier institutions has enriched the city as well as the minds of its student population.
About Hartford County, Connecticut
Hartford County is located in the state of Connecticut and with a population of more than eight hundred thousand. It is ranked the second most populated place in the state. The Hartford County was established as one of the counties in Connecticut on May 10, 1666. The addition and removal of towns altered the boundaries of the state, and it was only in 1806, with the addition of the town of Canton, that the boundaries of the county were clearly defined. The Hartford County has a defined area covered prominently by land and a smaller area defined by water. This county has a number of cities, towns and villages.
The geographical location of the Hartford County has facilitated the influx of a lot of European explorers / traders (mainly Dutch) into the county as early as 1623. After the Dutch, the English settlers came to the area around 1635 and along with them came trade, industries and governance. This governance defined that people should control rather than be controlled. This initiated the "Fundamental Orders of Connecticut" to be penned, which later on became the inspiration for the United States Constitution.
The various settlements that migrated into the Hartford County owing to industrial development show a presence of an African-American community. Racial segregation has been prominent in the state and this lasted till the Second World War.
After the Second World War, manufacturing industries (like the tobacco industry) were setup and these employed African-Americans. The economy kept on growing even with the fall in the manufacturing industries and sprouting of other industries, which reached its peak during the 1980s. Today, Hartford is one of the most interesting, industrious and thriving cities in the United States. The city continues its positive growth while occupying its pride of place among the top cities that played a crucial part in American history.